How did you become a part of India’s first zombie film?

Well, my first reaction when I was approached was: ‘zombie?!’ Everyone relates zombie to the horror genre and so did I. I was a little sceptical, but I was interested for sure. Luke (Kenny, who plays photographer-turned-zombie Neil Parker and also co-directs the film) sat down and explained through a DVD what the film would be about and I was intrigued.

I had my apprehensions because I am not a horror film fan. What finally made me agree was that I knew Luke and Devaki (Singh, co-director) would not make a film that would be a laughing stock. They had watched a lot of zombie films and were clear about what they were doing.

Also, I knew that the film was targeted towards the youth and when you make a film for young people, you have to know what you are doing because they will not accept just any rubbish you give them.

Is Rise of the Zombie in the comedy space or is it a serious zombie film with blood and gore?

This is a serious, gory zombie film; there’s nothing spoofy about it. There is another zombie film (Saif Ali Khan’s Go Goa Gone) which is a comedy but ours is hardcore zombie. It’s nice that we are introducing the zombie genre in India in a serious way. If Go Goa Gone had released before our film, then no one would have taken this genre seriously.

Tell us about your role.

What else can a girl play in a Hindi film apart from the girlfriend? (Laughs) But I am not a damsel in distress… I kick some ass. My character is called Vinny and I am in a relationship with this wildlife photographer played by Luke. I am not happy about the fact that he takes off on all these hush-hush trips all the time and doesn’t keep in touch. We decide to separate and then he goes on another trip. When he comes back, he’s a different person… I sense something is not right with him. Later, of course, I come to know that he was attacked by zombies and he had become one! That’s when I decide to take the problem head-on and look for a solution.

Had you watched any zombie films prior to this?

I just knew what the genre was, but I have never watched one. I want Rise of the Zombie to be the first film I watch in this genre. But one thing I told the producers was not to make me into a zombie!

So you don’t turn into a zombie yourself?

Not here. But there is a sequel planned… so maybe I will be made one there!

You apparently have some intimate scenes with Luke…

Yes, there are some scenes, but it’s not been done in a cheap way. It’s not unnatural for two people in love to get physically intimate. Luke made me feel very comfortable and we had a female director, so it really wasn’t too much of a problem. Such scenes will not be out of place in a film targeted towards the youth.

Priyanka Roy

Will you watch Rise of the Zombie? Tell t2@abp.in